The Supreme Court has postponed the hearing of businessman Amandeep Singh Dhall’s bail application to October 25. Dhall is appealing against a Delhi High Court decision that denied him bail in connection with the alleged excise policy scam.
The bench, led by Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan, granted the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) additional time to respond, following a request by the agency. This development comes after the apex court had initially issued a notice to the CBI on September 17, seeking its stance on Dhall’s petition.
Amandeep Singh Dhall, arrested by the CBI in April last year, faces charges in multiple cases related to alleged corruption in the excise policy formulated by the Delhi government. The CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) assert that Dhall was intricately involved in designing the liquor policy and allegedly facilitated illicit kickbacks to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), with financial recuperation managed by the “South Group.”
The contentious policy, implemented on November 17, 2021, was later rescinded in September 2022 amid burgeoning corruption claims. According to investigative agencies, the policy adjustments led to undue advantages for certain licensees.
The Delhi High Court, in its June 4 ruling, highlighted the gravity of the allegations against Dhall, noting his connections with influential political figures and other key witnesses, which could potentially compromise the case’s integrity. The court also referenced an FIR against Dhall for allegedly attempting to bribe an officer from the Enforcement Directorate to remove his name from the ongoing investigation, further complicating his plea for bail.
